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☆ Exclusive: ValueAct calls for Seven & i to spin off 7-Eleven retail chain
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-19 | by ( Svea Herbst-Bayliss | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

ValueAct argued a tax-free spin-off of 7-Eleven could be completed through a listing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in roughly a year. But it also noted the board may receive a proposal to buy the whole company during its ongoing strategic review. "We understand that Seven & i can combine 7-Eleven, Inc. and Seven-Eleven Japan and execute a tax-free spin-off to launch a global champion 7-Eleven listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange about 12 months from now," the letter said. Seven & i is currently conducting a strategic review and has pledged to announce its decisions by early March. Ever since first making its investment in Seven & i known in 2021, ValueAct has said other investors have reached out to the firm about its references to a possible spin off of 7-Eleven.

☆ Bolivia to protect big-state economic model, plans‘aggressive’ gas push: minister
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-29 | by ( Monica Machicao | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

LA PAZ, Dec 29 (Reuters) - Bolivia is committed to protecting its subsidy-reliant, big-state economic model despite deficit risks and is planning an "aggressive" push into gas exploration, the economy minister told Reuters. Economy Minister Marcelo Montenegro said the government has designed "a very aggressive exploration plan" for gas in 2023, but did not go into details. The government is projecting to shrink the 2023 deficit to about 7.5%. "It is not easy, because there are contracts that will last for years, even decades ... We have to push so that more profits remain for Bolivia," Montenegro said. Reporting by Monica Machicao in La Paz Written by Daniel Ramos Edited by Nicolás Misculin, Alexander Villegas and Matthew LewisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Zelenskyy, BlackRock CEO Fink agree to coordinate Ukraine investment
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-28 | by ( Elliot Smith | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Ukraine's president, meets with US President Joe Biden in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and BlackRock CEO Larry Fink agreed to coordinate investment in rebuilding Ukraine, Kyiv announced on Wednesday following a meeting between the two men. BlackRock Financial Markets Advisory and the Ukrainian Ministry of Economy signed a memorandum of understanding in November, after Fink and Zelenskyy met in September to discuss driving public and private investments into Ukraine to rebuild the country after Russia's highly destructive invasion. A spokesperson for BlackRock was not immediately available for comment. Zelenskyy last week visited Washington D.C. to meet with U.S. President Joe Biden and deliver an address to Congress, as the U.S. House of Representatives gave final approval on Friday to a $45 billion aid package for Ukraine.

☆ Japan Nov factory output falls on weakening global demand
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-28 | by ( Kantaro Komiya | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

"The impacts of overseas rate hikes, slower growth and weak capital expenditure demand are gradually reaching Japan," said Masato Koike, economist at Sompo Institute Plus. "Production inevitably remains weak for October-December and highly likely stalls furthermore as the global economy hasn't hit its worst." That marked the third monthly decrease in Japanese production and followed a revised 3.2% fall in October and 1.7% contraction in September. Output of general machinery slipped 7.9%, while that of production machinery decreased 5.7%, driving down the overall index in November. METI cut its assessment of industrial output for a second straight month, saying "production is weakening".

☆ EIB bank lends Tunisia 150 mln euros in emergency support for food security
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

TUNIS, Dec 18 (Reuters) - The European Investment Bank, the lending arm of the European Union, has approved a 220 million euro loan ($233 mln) for Tunisia, including 150 million euros in emergency support for food security, the Tunisian Ministry of Economy said on Sunday. Tunisia is in a deep financial crisis which has resulted in a shortage of many food commodities in recents weeks. Agriculture Minister Mahmoud Elyess Hamza said the loan will help Tunisia to regularly supply soft wheat. ($1 = 0.9450 euros)Reporting by Tarek Amara Editing by Raissa KasolowskyOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Japan, Netherlands to join U.S. in China chip curbs - Bloomberg News
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Dec 12 (Reuters) - Japan and the Netherlands have agreed in principle to join the United States in tightening controls over the export of advanced chip-making machinery to China, Bloomberg News reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the matter. In October, the Biden administration published a series of curbs aimed at stopping the export of chip-making technology and certain chips made through U.S. equipment anywhere in the world to China. The new curbs may be announced in the coming weeks, it added. Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as well as Netherlands' foreign affairs ministry did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment. Reporting by Yuvraj Malik in Bengaluru; Editing by Devika SyamnathOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Japan Looks to Build Buffer of Natural Gas in Case of Supply Crunch
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-04 | by ( River Davis | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

TOKYO—Japan’s government is planning to create a strategic buffer of liquefied natural gas, trying to build resilience against the kind of energy crunch that hit Europe this year. The government is targeting imports of at least 840,000 tons of LNG a year under the program, according to a summary supplied by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

For October-December, (Japan's) production will likely be almost flat or slightly decrease from the previous quarter," said Shumpei Fujita, economist at Mitsubishi UFJ Research and Consulting, pointing to the global economic slowdown as a culprit. Factory output fell 2.6% in October from a month earlier on a seasonally adjusted basis, government data showed on Wednesday. Production machinery output slipped 5.4%, taking a hit from soft demand for equipment to make semiconductors and flat-panel displays. While output of compact cars for the domestic market grew, production and shipment of export-oriented larger vehicles was down due to chip shortages, the METI official said. The impact of China's recent lockdown remains unclear, the METI official said, adding the spill-over effects for Japanese manufacturers may only appear in November or December statistics.

☆ Argentina agrees fuel price rise caps with firms, pledges FX access
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

BUENOS AIRES, Nov 28 (Reuters) - Argentina on Monday reached an agreement with major oil firms operating in the country to put a cap on fuel price increases in a bid to keep costs at the pump down for hard-hit consumers amid surging inflation. The deal with firms like state company YPF (YPFD.BA) and Shell (SHEL.L) would see fuel price increases of 4% in December, January and February and then 3.8% in March. We want all sectors to "contribute to significantly lower inflation, which is the main drama in Argentina," the Ministry of Economy said in a statement. In return, the government said that it would ensure access to foreign exchange markets for energy firms, despite tight capital controls that restrict currency conversion. "The state undertakes to guarantee access to foreign currency for firms, especially for the supply of lubricants, and to temporarily reduce taxes on fuel imports to guarantee supply for the agricultural sectors," the ministry added.

☆ Petroecuador advancing in tender to appoint auditor
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-08 | by ( Alexandra Valencia | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Talking to a local media outlet on Monday, Santos acknowledged Petroecuador is not audited by an international firm and its financial reporting does not comply with international standards. Petroecuador began a tendering process to appoint an auditor in August, it said. "As the process is financed with international cooperation funds, the hiring must follow the guidelines established by the international organization," the company added. Former Energy Minister Xavier Vera resigned at the end of October over a separate investigation into allegations that he took bribes in exchange for jobs at Petroecuador. Reporting by Alexandra Valencia Writing by Oliver Griffin Editing by Lincoln FeastOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

A 12.4% decline in auto-related production - the sector's steepest fall in eight months - drove down the overall index. Manufacturers surveyed by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) expected output to fall another 0.4% in October and rise 0.8% in November. "Rather, with rising procurement costs on the weak yen, coupled with (higher) energy prices, some firms have voiced concerns for their business conditions." Separate data showed retail sales rose 4.5% year-on-year in September, extending a rebound since March when the government ended domestic COVID-19 containment measures. On a seasonally adjusted month-on-month basis, retail sales grew 1.1% in September, rising for a third month.

☆ Japan September factory output falls 1.6% in September from the previous month
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-30 | by ( Kantaro Komiya | ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

TOKYO, Oct 31 (Reuters) - Japan's factory output fell 1.6% in September from the previous month, government data showed on Monday, slightly more than the median market forecast for a 1.0% decline. Manufacturers surveyed by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) expect output to fall 0.4% in October and rise 0.8% in November, the data also showed. For the full tables, visit METI's website. Reporting by Kantaro Komiya Editing by Chang-Ran KimOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

The French and Japanese automakers said this month they were in talks about the future of their alliance, including Nissan potentially investing in an electric vehicle business being spun out of Renault. With Nissan holding only 15% of Renault - and without voting rights - French dominance of the alliance has long been a point of contention. Renault wants Nissan to invest in its electric vehicle unit, while Nissan wants Renault to cut its stake to 15%, Reuters previously reported. Given its investment needs, Renault is the more eager of the two to reach a deal, said a person familiar with negotiations. Alliance junior partner Mitsubishi Motors Corp (7211.T) will likely invest a few percent in the new Renault unit to retain its alliance relationship, said another person familiar with the matter.

☆ Taliban on the cusp of securing wheat, gas, and oil deal with Russia, officials say
▼ + stars: | 2022-08-31 | by ( Matthew Loh | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Taliban-led Afghanistan is set to strike a deal with Moscow soon on imports of oil and gas. Reuters cited a spokesperson from Afghanistan's ministry of economy, Habiburahman Habib, who confirmed that the officials were negotiating contracts for wheat, gas, and oil. The European Union has similarly urged its members to split from Russian oil, coal, and gas, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen saying that EU countries "simply cannot rely on a supplier who explicitly threatens us." Afghanistan is not the only country to have boosted its energy imports from Russia. Saudi Arabia doubled its Russian oil imports in July, while Cuba started buying Russian oil that same month.

☆ Request for Proposals ATIC Strategic Plan Development
▼ + stars: | 2021-01-19 | by ( Alte Articole | ) www.civic.md time to read: +51 min

ATIC will actively promote the interests of the members, by helping delivering the benefits of the ICT sector, while meeting the legitimate concerns of the members. ATIC reserves the right to make revisions to the content, order, and numbering of the provisions in the actual subcontract document prior to execution by ATIC and the selected awardee. ATIC will assess the best operations models to reach the above stated results for the sector and for its members. Development of implementation recommendations This stage includes the development of recommendations regarding the implementation phase of the plan. Meeting topics will align with information and data collected and may include:Organizational Overview ‐ Assessment of the strengths, weaknesses, and competencies of the organization.

Persons: Marina Bzovii, ATIC, Tekwill, Offerors, deliverables, ATIC —, —, activitiy Organizations: National Association of ICT, National Association of ICT Companies, OF, Organization, Umbrella Organization, ICT, Moldovan ICT, Association, THE ASSOCIATION Moldovan Association of ICT Companies, Vocational ICT, Austrian Development Cooperation, Moldova ICT Summit, USAID, Robotics, Smart, United States Agency for International Development, Government, International Development Agency, Moldova ICT, ATIC, Technical University of Moldova, Center, Moldovan, Women, Tech, UN, Microsoft, Office National Association of ICT Companies, Bank, Swift, United, United States Government, Intellectual, “, Consultancy, Ministry, Economy, Infrastructure, Ministry of ICT, Moldova ICT Industry Competitiveness, Moldova IT Industry Competitiveness, Innovation, IT Industry, “ National Association of ICT Companies, Eg . Telecom, Software, Business Networking Development, Human Capital, ‐, Telecom, Services Locations: MOLDOVA, Moldova, Republic of Moldova, Moldovan, Sweden, Sida, Chisinau, MDL, ATIC, United States

☆ Project Manager - Accelerating Digital Transformation in Public Sector in the Republic of Moldova Project
▼ + stars: | 2020-12-21 | by ( Alte Articole | ) www.civic.md time to read: +4 min

Gender gap in digital skills also impedes women’s access to essential public services that are digitalized, as well as digital forms of business and commerce. More specifically, in Moldova women occupy only 31% of jobs in the ICT sector and only 19% of digital professions. As a result, women get jobs with a lower level of qualification and, respectively, of remuneration in the ICT sector. In response to the COVID-19 effects, companies have shifted further to digital commerce, setting up their digital presence through online platforms/marketplaces, including own direct-to customer commerce platforms . Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it.

Persons: diversityUNDP Organizations: Technologies, Engineering, ICT, Government, Economic Council, Ministry, Economy, SC, UNDP rostersNote, UNDP, United Nations Locations: Moldova, Republic of Moldova, United

☆ Experts about scheme to purchase electricity involving Igor Dodon
▼ + stars: | 2020-11-10 | by ( ) www.ipn.md time to read: +3 min

Experts about scheme to purchase electricity involving Igor DodonA number of energy experts say the citizens of the Republic of Moldova in 2008 were defrauded of US$14.5 million as a result of a scheme to purchase electrical energy. The scheme involved incumbent Presided Igor Dodon, who then served as Minister of Economy, and Parliament Speaker Zinaida Grechanyi, who was then Premier. As a result of the negotiations held in Kiev by Igor Dodon, then Minister of Economy, an intermediary appeared in the power importation scheme in May 2008 - Energopartner. Igor Dodon was named head of the group of negotiators by an order signed by Zinaida Grechanyi, who then held the post of Prime Minister. According to Tudor Șoitu, Igor Dodon in a program admitted that he personally negotiated the contract and the conditions were very good.

Persons: Igor Dodon, Zinaida Grechanyi, Tudor Șoitu, Alexandru Gusev, Energocom, Energopartner, Mister Dodon, ”, Sergiu Tofilat, didn’t, Lilian Bacalâm, Victor Parlicov, Alexandr Stoianoglo Organizations: National Agency for Energy, Ukrinterenergo, Ministry, Energy, General’s Locations: Republic of Moldova, Moldova, Kiev, Ukraine

☆ Hidden Monopoly, Offshore Money and a Clash of Interests in the Giurgiulești Port
▼ + stars: | 2020-03-02 | by ( Nemerenco Daniela | ) www.zdg.md time to read: +29 min

ZdG debunked the hidden monopoly, an offshore company, and business interests, including those of a deputy of Moldova’s Parliament, in the Giurgiulești Passengers and Goods Port, operated by the Ungheni River Port. The State Enterprise Ungheni River Port operates the Giurgiulești Passengers and Goods Port. Any attempts by other economic agents to obtain the status of port agency in the state-controlled port failed. How the state enterprise explains the monopoly in the port We went to the Ungheni company headquarters to discuss with the administration of the Ungheni River Port. A conversation between the tugboat owner and the Ungheni River Port administration The tugboat stations within the state-owned port since June 2018.

Persons: ZdG, ”, Moldova’s, Molincom, Medvedev, Daniil Șevcenco, “, didn’t, Vladimir Medvedev, Gheorghe Țurcanu, Veaceslav Ioniță, Igor Macari, Denis Dobrioglo, Leonid Karagheaur, Sergei Raevski, Țurcanu, Pîrlog, Ruslan Baciu, Iurie, Marcelian Pîrlog, Anatolie Balan, Alexandru Maximov, Condaline, Marcelian, Nicolae Dimitrachi, Translogist Sistem, Baciu, Translogist, Sergiu Gheceanu, ” ZdG, Marina Polasek, Reni, ” Medvedev, Anatolie, ” Vladimir Medvedev, Ion Chicu, Anatol Usatîi, Ludmila Guzun, Anatolie Labuneț, Igor Zaharia, Labuneț, Carolina Lipskaia, Oleg Lipskii’s, Evghenii Labuneț, Veaceslav Macaidenco, ” Labuneț, Zaharia, Mr Medvedev, Chicu, “ Mr Medvedev, slandering, Preluarea, maximă, trebuie, Instituțiile, Materialele, inclusiv Organizations: Goods, National Anticorruption Center, Port, Moldova’s Government, Logistics, State Enterprise, Naval Agency, Customs Service, Mr, Agro Factor, United Arab, UAE, Agro, United, Public Property Agency, ILM Logistic, Port Agency Service, Register, DB Translogist, Translogist, Ministry, Socialist, Security and Intelligence Service, Economy, Infrastructure, Democratic Party, Medvedev, Moldova’s Socialist Party, “, Navigation Company, Marine Engineering, Socialist Party, Anticorruption Center, Naval Agency of, National Anticorruption, Naval, Moldova’s Naval Agency, Jurnalistului din Republica Moldova Locations: Port, “, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Russian, Zurich, Switzerland, Moldova, United Kingdom, Chișinău, Moldova’s, Consideea, Ciocana, Translogist, Condaline, Ungheni, Canada, PPMG, Naval Agency of Moldova, Jurnalistului din

☆ Emmanuel Macron Fast Facts
▼ + stars: | 2017-05-21 | by ( Cnn Editorial Research | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

CNN —Here is a look at the life of France’s President Emmanuel Macron. During his time as economy minister, he spearheaded the so-called “Macron Law,” which aimed to shake up the economy through labor reform. March 1, 2017 - While at an agricultural fair in Paris, Macron is hit by an egg, which cracks on his head. June 23, 2017 - Macron and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger appear in a video together discussing climate change. In their phone call, Biden and Macron agree to meet in person at the end of next month in Europe.

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